Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

During the Covid-19 lockdown I started working online in Google Classroom and created this L1-2 writing task (and an accompanying introductory presentation) in Google Docs / Slides. Use the presentation to introduce learners (if needed) to Captain Tom and his remarkable achievement for the NHS (national health service) during the Covid-19 crisis. Slides also provide links to related news articles (important for background information and also for demonstrating the layout and language features of articles).

Level

L1

L2

English

FE L1.23 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

L1.25 Write consistently and accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate

FE L2.24 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

Based on a text about the annual St Patrick's Parade in London. Aimed at L1 /L2 Reformed Functional Skills learners but also includes some Entry Level questions. Unlike formal assessment papers, questions are arranged by topic so that teachers can pick and choose the subjects they want to focus on. Includes:

Level

E3

L1

L2

English

Functional English reading

E3.10 Identify different purposes of straightforward texts

FE E3.11 Use effective strategies to find the meaning of words (e.g. a dictionary, working out meaning from context; using knowledge of different word types)

FE E3.12 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. contents, index, menus, tabs and links)

FE L1.11 Identify meanings in texts and distinguish between fact and opinion

FE L1.12 Recognise that language and other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences and purposes

FE L1.13 Use reference materials and appropriate strategies (e.g. using knowledge of word types) for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words

FE L1.14 Understand organisational and structural features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. index, menus, subheadings, paragraphs) in a range of straightforward texts

FE L1.15 Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text

Sparked after reading an article about a UK Which? report in The Guardian newspaper, and made in haste, this resource is aimed at Entry Level 3 (E3) and Level 1 (L1) learners but includes some E2 and L2 questions. There is no answer sheet – one might appear later for skillsworkshop contributors – but see below for general marking guidance. If you are stuck you can ask for help using my Twitter tag @skillsworkshop https://twitter.com/skillsworkshop

Level

E3

L1

L2

English

FE E3.14 Form irregular plurals

FE E3.16 Use the first, second and third place letters to sequence words in alphabetical order

FE E3.17 Spell correctly words designated for Entry Level 3

FE E3.11 Use effective strategies to find the meaning of words (e.g. a dictionary, working out meaning from context; using knowledge of different word types)

FE L1.13 Use reference materials and appropriate strategies (e.g. using knowledge of word types) for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words

A PowerPoint set of L1-L2 reading, maths and writing tasks. All are based on information a recent UK.gov Home Office fact sheet about Prevent and Channel*. The fact sheet can be found online or downloaded from this page. Main Functional Maths coverage is reading and comparing whole numbers and percentages, and percentage-fraction equivalents. Some questions involve calculating percentages or checking the figures that are quoted in the text (Level 2).

Editor's notes

Level

L1

L2

English

FE L1.9 Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts

FE L1.17 Read and understand a range of specialist words in context

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

FE L1.23 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

FE L2.11 Identify the different situations when the main points are sufficient and when it is important to have specific details

FE L2.16 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information in a range of straightforward and complex sources

FE L2.24 Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length (including where this is specified) to meet the needs of purpose and audience

This resource is based on the DfES ESOL Skills for Life E2 recording 'Asking where things are'. It gives exam practice questions (C&G style) in the first section and in the second section an activity to enable learners to tune in to the sounds of English. The first section can be completed in class and the second at home or the whole sheet can be given for homework. Listening development at home enables learners to listen as often as they wish and tune in until they hear the text more clearly.

Level

E1

E2

English

E1.2 Identify and extract the main information from short statements and explanations

E2.1 Identify and extract the main information and detail from short explanations

Reformed Functional English assessments include group discussion at all levels beyond Entry 1. This useful, 3 page planner can be used (with varying amounts of teacher support) from E2 to L2. Covers everything from choosing a topic, jotting down initial ideas, and making extended contributions. Also describes the different roles withing a discussion and useful phrases for each role.

With detailed Functional English mapping.

Level

E2

E3

L1

L2

English

E2.6 Make appropriate contributions to simple group discussions with others about a straightforward topic

E3.6 Make relevant contributions to group discussions about straightforward topics

E3.7 Listen to and respond appropriately to other points of view, respecting conventions of turn-taking

L1.7 Use appropriate phrases, registers and adapt contributions to take account of audience, purpose and medium

L1.8 Respect the turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language for interjection

L2.8 Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward

L2.10 Interject and redirect discussion using appropriate language and register

Five large A4 templates for web page, letter, article, email and a speech/talk. They can be used in a variety of ways depending upon learner levels and lesson objectives. E.g. E1-E2 students can discuss and decide upon the text type and/or where they might see such document, E2-E3 learners can use them to plan or draft work. At L1 they could be displayed onscreen as a brief reminder to use different layouts for different purposes or for reading revision (of organisational features).

Level

E2

E3

L1

English

FE E3.20 Use appropriate format and structure when writing straightforward texts, including the appropriate use of headings and bullet points

FE L1.24 Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose

FE E3.12 Understand organisational features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. contents, index, menus, tabs and links)

FE L1.14 Understand organisational and structural features and use them to locate relevant information (e.g. index, menus, subheadings, paragraphs) in a range of straightforward texts